In a powerful and emotional statement during the tri-services media briefing on Monday, Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai addressed the escalating pattern of terrorist attacks that led to India’s recent large-scale response under Operation Sindoor.
Referring to the brutal targeting of civilians in Jammu & Kashmir in recent months, Lt Gen Ghai remarked:
“In the last few years, the character of terrorist activities has changed. Innocent civilians were being attacked… ‘Pahalgam tak paap ka ye ghada bhar chuka tha’.”
#WATCH | Delhi | DGMO Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai says, "In the last few years, the character of terrorist activities have changed. Innocent civilians were being attacked.. 'Pahalgam tak paap ka ye ghada bhar chuka tha'…" pic.twitter.com/Nr21vVKSTo
— ANI (@ANI) May 12, 2025
His words, spoken during the joint 2:30 PM briefing at the National Media Centre, highlighted the turning point that triggered India’s calibrated military offensive across terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Operation Sindoor, India’s multi-pronged retaliation, neutralized over 100 terrorists, and successfully disrupted multiple launchpads and training hubs of terror groups.
The DGMO’s statement underscored that the focus was purely on terrorist infrastructure and not the Pakistani military. The Indian Army also reiterated its commitment to avoiding civilian casualties during its strikes.
The briefing, which featured top officials from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, provided a comprehensive update on India’s operational stance post-ceasefire and reflected the nation’s resolve to counter rising cross-border threats.
Lt Gen Ghai’s remark, “Pahalgam tak paap ka ye ghada bhar chuka tha,” has since resonated widely across platforms, symbolizing the military’s justification and moral stand in launching one of the most decisive anti-terror operations in recent history.
